IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO, premiering on public television beginning November 2008 (check local listings), chronicles the journey of two ordinary guys – Denis Belliveau, at the time a wedding photographer, and Francis O’Donnell, an artist and former Marine – as they set out to follow Polo’s historic route. Equal parts travelogue, adventure story, history trek and buddy movie, the 90-minute film weaves footage from the duo’s often perilous voyage with Marco Polo’s descriptions and experiences. Richly enhanced with Belliveau’s award-winning photographs, the program details their highs and lows as they retrace Polo’s path, trying to see what he saw and feel what he must have felt.

"It was the best-documented journey of its time, inspiring the imaginations
and ambitions of countless adventurers, including Christopher Columbus. Now
we, too, can follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, with guides as vividly
exciting and engaging as Marco himself. With both their film and this book
Denis and Francis have recreated what Joseph Campbell would have applauded
as 'The Hero's Journey.' Come take it yourself and you'll never turn back."- Bill Moyers

Major funding for In the Footsteps of Marco Polo was provided by The Starr Foundation. Additional support was given by the Center for Cultural Interchange.